A Months-Long Closure Is FINALLY Ending in Disney World, but Experts Say to WAIT To Visit the Returning Attractions

Since the 2020 closures, Disney World has been treating its water parks a little differently.

Before 2020, both water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, would be open at the same time throughout the summer, and then one would close in the winter for refurbishment. Nowadays, when one water park is open, the other is closed, and they switch out all year long, regardless of the season. As we’re headed into the winter season, it’s time for these two parks to swap out once again!

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard Beach closed for refurbishment on March 17th so that Typhoon Lagoon would be open for the spring and summer.

Now, it’s about time for Blizzard Beach’s return. Disney announced that Blizzard Beach will be reopening on November 4th, and Typhoon Lagoon will be closing! That means this week, Blizzard Beach will open, making it the water park that will likely be available when the resort guest perk of a free water park day begins in 2025. So, if you want to go to Blizzard Beach, it might be worth waiting to visit until the beginning of 2025 when you can go for FREE!

Click here to learn all about Blizzard Beach

Don’t get caught heading to the wrong water park this week! And be on the lookout for the other remaining closures around Disney World the week of November 2nd through November 9th.

Magic Kingdom

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade

We had to say goodbye to an opening day attraction on June 23rd.

The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade was around for generations and provided simple fun to all who played. Now, the attraction has closed to make room for a new Disney Vacation Club lounge. This lounge will be the third in Disney World, joining one in EPCOT and one at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Disney has not yet announced when the new lounge will open.

In Just ONE WEEK We’ll See a HUGE Change at Magic Kingdom!

Tomorrowland Terrace

Tomorrowland Terrace is a quick-service restaurant that has been closed since the 2020 pandemic-related closures, but even before that, this spot was only occasionally open.

Once in a while, you’ll see the dining room open as a rest area (and it’s still being used for the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties), but it’s usually all roped off and empty.

Disney hasn’t announced when this spot could finally reopen, but we’ll be watching for updates. If you’re looking for a nice spot to hang out in Disney World and sit down for a rest, this could be it!

I Ate at the Worst-Reviewed Magic Kingdom Restaurant on Yelp

EPCOT

Test Track

Test Track closed on June 17th, and Disney is giving this ride a BIG makeover! 

Disney has shared that the new version of Test Track will take inspiration from the old ride, World of Motion, that was originally there when the park opened in 1982. Disney recently shared more details at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Experience, including an opening timeline! We’ll be able to ride Test Track once again in 2025.

HURRY! EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional Dining Packages Are Available Online NOW!

Restaurant Marrakesh

Restaurant Marrakesh is currently closed as a dining location in the Morocco pavilion of EPCOT’s World Showcase, and there’s no word yet on when the restaurant could fully reopen.

However, it is currently open as the Florida Blue Lounge during the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival. So, if you’re in the Morocco Pavilion, check it out to see if it’s open. We’re watching for updates on when the full restaurant could reopen!

Not Even the TRAINS Are Safe in EPCOT’s Tiny Train Town

Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

The Cars-themed show featuring Lighting McQueen permanently closed on October 8th, 2024, to make way for a brand-new Villains show.

The show was previously housed in the Sunset Showcase building, but the last day for guests to enjoy it was October 7th. The new Villains show is supposed to debut in the summer of 2025! We’re watching for more details about the new show.

Read about the NEW Villains show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is currently closed in Disney World. But we recently spotted some construction walls up at the building along with a new permit filed!

Disney is going to introduce a new, updated show in this spot, though it will still be themed to the animated movie The Little Mermaid! The new show will be called “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure,” and it is now coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Summer 2025.

Disney still hasn’t announced an official opening date for the new show, but it has been postponed from its Fall 2024 opening timeline. It will be a “fully reimagined theatrical production inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic.”

NEW LOOK at “The Little Mermaid” Show Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Disney World Hotels

Everything POP Shopping & Dining — Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The Everything Pop Food Court will continue its refurbishment for the time being.

Since July 29th, Everything Pop has been getting some work done. The refurbishment was supposed to end on September 29th. However, Disney updated the refurbishment timeline to extend it to November. This means the food court should have been back to full and normal operation, but that’s not the case. However, we did stop by and noticed a few updates — it’s looking really good so far! Guests can grab food at several counters and on mobile order, as well as use the limited seating while work is being done.

World Premiere Food Court — Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

The World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort has been undergoing refurbishment since July.

This food court closed for refurbishment on July 1st and was set to reopen on July 31st. However, a change on the Disney World website and speaking with Cast Members has indicated that did not happen. Disney updated the website to say it won’t open until mid-October. Currently, the Disney World website lists the Rialto coffee shop as being closed for refurbishment until the end of November 2024. While it has been getting a face-lift, guests have been able to mobile order from a limited menu on the Disney World app, and seating in the food court is still available.

How Hotels Are CHANGING in Disney World in 2025

Looking for more resources to help you get ready for your upcoming trip? Check out these posts to learn all about Disney World’s rides:

• 10 Rides to AVOID in Disney World if You Struggle with Motion Sickness
• What It Takes to CHANGE a Disney World Ride
• 9 of the SCARIEST Rides in Disney World, According to YOU!
• A FULL LIST of the Thrill Rides in Disney World!
• The Ultimate Guide to the BEST and WORST Seats On EVERY Magic Kingdom Ride

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news, so stay tuned to DFB.

Full List of Important Disney World Closures You Should Plan Around in 2025

When is your next Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Months-Long Closure Is FINALLY Ending in Disney World, but Experts Say to WAIT To Visit the Returning Attractions first appeared on the disney food blog.